India Independence Day celebrations planned in suburbs

Sambha Malgewkav walks in the 2011 Indian Independence Day parade, sponsored by the Chicago-based Federation of Indian Associations.Daily Herald file photos

The Punjabi Cultural Society float in the 2011 Indian Independence Day parade, sponsored by the Chicago-based Federation of Indian Associations.Daily Herald file photo

Two days of colorful celebrations for India's 66th Independence Day are scheduled to take place later this month in the Northwest suburbs.

This is the second year the Chicago-based Federation of Indian Associations will host a dinner and a parade to celebrate the country's break from Great Britain, which is celebrated every Aug. 15.

The FIA will start the celebration with a "Grand Gala Sumptus Dinner" at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Meadows Club, 2950 W. Golf Road, in Rolling Meadows. Prices range from $35 to $55.

On Aug. 19, the federation will host an Independence Day parade starting at 1 p.m. in front of the Infiniti car dealership at 1075 W. Golf Road in Hoffman Estates.

"It's going to be quite a big event," said FIA President Sunil Shah, adding that the celebrations are intended to both bring together the Indian community and showcase the unity of Indians to others.

Shah said he expects 600 to 700 people to come to the dinner and 3,000 to 4,000 people to attend the parade.

Government officials, including the mayors of Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg and state leaders, are expected to be in attendance. Bollywood star Prachi Desai, who is traveling to the events from India, will be an honored guest.

For information, visit www.fia-il.com or email him at president@fia-il.com.

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